Category: Daily Guide Network

The country’s downward inflation trend continued its steady decline in December 2025, falling to 5.4 percent year on year, new data from the Ghana Statistical Service has shown.

The decline marks the 12th consecutive month of disinflation and the lowest rate since the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was rebased in 2021.

Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, presenting the latest inflation figures in Accra, yesterday, said the CPI for December 2025 stood at 261.7, up from 240.8 in December 2024, translating into a significant moderation in price pressures over the year.

This he said meant that, on average, goods and services cost 5.4 percent more than they did in December 2024.

‘This result is significant because inflation has now declined for 12 consecutive months. It fell from 6.3 percent in November 2025 and from 23.8 percent in December 2024, representing a reduction of 18.4 percentage points within a year,’ he explained.

Dr. Iddrisu further noted that the sustained decline, points to improving macroeconomic conditions and a firm shift towards price stability.

On a month-on-month basis, inflation stood at 0.9 percent in December 2025, indicating a marginal increase in prices between November and December with Dr. Iddrisu explaining that while short-term price movements persist, they are now occurring within a stable and downward long-term trend.

Dr. Iddrisu said price pressures eased across food, non-food, goods, and both locally produced and imported items, compared to both November 2025 and December 2024.

Food inflation also recorded a sharp decline on an annual basis, falling to 4.9 percent in December 2025, down from 6.6 percent in November 2025 and 27.8 percent in December 2024, representing a 22.9 percentage point drop over the year.

‘This matters because food accounts for about 43 percent of household spending. Lower food inflation directly eases pressure on household budgets,’ Dr. Iddrisu noted.

However, he cautioned that food prices still rose by 1.1 percent month on month, suggesting that while long-term pressures have eased, short-term fluctuations remain, largely driven by seasonal factors.

Non-food inflation also declined significantly, easing to 5.8 percent in December, from 6.1 percent in November and 20.3 percent a year earlier, reflecting a 14.5 percentage point reduction over the year. On a monthly basis, non-food prices increased by 0.6 percent, indicating moderate pressure.

‘These trends show broad-based disinflation across both food and non-food categories, rather than improvements driven by a single component,’ Dr. Iddrisu said.

The data also revealed a strong slowdown in goods inflation, which fell to 5.8 percent in December 2025, down from 7.3 percent in November and 23.1 percent in December 2024. This represents a 17.3 percentage point reduction over the year.

‘Goods account for nearly three-quarters of the CPI basket, so this slowdown provides relief where it matters most to consumers,’ he said.

Goods prices increased by 0.8 percent month on month, while services inflation edged up slightly to 4.5 percent in December, from 3.8 percent in November. Despite the increase, services inflation remains well below its 15.4 percent level in December 2024, marking a 10.9 percentage point decline over the year.

Month-on-month, services prices rose by 0.9 percent between November and December 2025.

At a time when we should be commenting on critical national issues that would ensure good governance, we have been compelled to take a look at a crude and uncivilised conduct by firefighters as it unfolded at Kasoa last Monday.

Ghana joined hands to condemn the antiquated brutality meted out on a lone journalist by some personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

It was an imbecilic act of shame when persons who responded to an emergency call to save lives and properties turned out to rather, as it were, become rogues whose actions could have killed instead of save the persons they are remunerated by the state to protect.

Ghana has put that outmoded baggage of uniformed personnel attacking their compatriots outside the regimented order behind her back. The last time such brutish conduct took place was in Tamale when a student of the Tamale Technical University was assaulted by a policeman during a students’ demonstration.

In any case, firefighters are not known to behave like hounds or hogs as they did at Kasoa.

If the misconduct of the first responders at the fire scene disheartened Ghanaians, the response from the Public Relations (PR) Unit of the GNFS did worst bereft of wisdom. Whoever crafted the response did so without an idea of how to manage image crisis.

Claiming that the defaulting personnel were assaulting a thief opens the GNFS for further public opprobrium. Must a suspected thief be hit on the head with protective helmets the way the viral video showed on social media? Was that how the defaulters were trained at the Fire Training School? Is that nonsense part of firefighting drill? And the PR Unit put out that ‘crap’ of a response without the Chief Fire Officer reading it before letting out on the public domain?

It is instructive that even before assaulting the poor Class FM reporter, the firefighters had already been engaged in an altercation with some persons around the fire scene. It just shows that a bunch of undisciplined firefighters were deployed to the fire scene, leaving us to deal with the rotten outcome.

We find it amazing that after defending the action of the personnel, the GNFS turns round to tell us that they are investigating the misconduct.

There was nothing wrong with videoing the misconduct of the defaulters by the reporter, which incensed the first responders. If the misconduct is acceptable, why were the defaulters scared of the public having a look at what transpired anyway.

Let us not allow a situation where when firefighters respond to an emergency they turn their hoses and helmets on victims and others as tools of assault rather than tools for putting fires and saving lives and properties.

While we do not have confidence in the outcome of the enquiry being conducted by management of the GNFS, we nonetheless demand that an apology be rendered to Ghanaians even before the report is released.

Former Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Addo, says Ghanaians across the country are calling on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to present Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as its presidential candidate for the 2028 general election.

According to her, the calls reflect a growing public desire for a courageous, honest and decisive leader who is untainted by corruption and prepared to take bold decisions in the national interest.

Madam Addo made the remarks yesterday during her Eastern Regional tour, where she is engaging party delegates and supporters across all 33 constituencies as part of ongoing consultations ahead of the NPP’s presidential primaries.

‘The feedback from the people is clear. Ghanaians want a leader who is fearless, truthful and decisive. Ken Agyapong represents that leadership,’ she stated.

She explained that many citizens, including floating voters, see Kennedy Agyapong as a forthright politician who consistently speaks against wrongdoing and stands firmly for accountability.

According to Madam Addo, the New Patriotic Party’s path to victory in 2028 will depend largely on its ability to align its internal decisions with the expectations of the wider electorate.

‘Ghanaians are calling on the NPP to present Ken Agyapong because they believe he has the courage and integrity to lead this country,’ she added.

She urged NPP delegates to listen to the voices of ordinary Ghanaians and support a candidate who can unite the party, energise the grassroots and appeal broadly across the country.

Madam Addo stressed that presenting a bold and credible leader in 2028 would be key to restoring public confidence and returning the NPP to power.

Her Eastern Regional engagements form part of broader campaign and consultation activities as the party prepares for internal processes ahead of the next general election cycle.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Namibia has reaffirmed his commitment to deepening tourism, trade, and cultural cooperation between Ghana and Namibia, as the 2025 edition of the November in Namibia campaign records expanded participation and growing institutional support.

The initiative, which was spearheaded by Hype.UP Limited, a Ghanaian marketing and events company, was conceived as a people-to-people and cultural exchange programme aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. Since its inception, it has steadily evolved into a broader platform that integrates tourism promotion with trade, investment, and private sector engagement.

Although now in a key diplomatic role, the High Commissioner’s involvement with the campaign predates his formal assumption of office. Prior to taking up his post, he remained actively engaged with the initiative, and has since demonstrated sustained commitment to its growth and strategic direction.

The November in Namibia 2025 edition marked a notable milestone with the introduction of a Business Forum and Exhibition, held alongside the cultural and tourism activities. The forum provided an opportunity for structured dialogue on investment prospects and commercial cooperation, bringing together business leaders, public institutions, and private sector stakeholders from both Ghana and Namibia. In addition, several Ghanaian companies travelled to Namibia to participate in a business exhibition, showcasing their products, services, and partnership potential. The exhibition underscored the campaign’s growing emphasis on translating cultural exchange into tangible economic opportunities.

The 2025 edition also benefitted from close collaboration between both the Ghanaian and Namibian High Commissions, whose joint efforts helped strengthen coordination and elevate the profile of the campaign. This diplomatic cooperation has been widely noted as a key factor in positioning November in Namibia as a credible bilateral engagement platform.

Further reinforcing the initiative were partnerships with GIPC and NIPB, which contributed to discussions on market access, investment facilitation, and long-term business collaboration.

The steady expansion of November in Namibia reflects a deliberate alignment of cultural diplomacy with economic development objectives. With private sector leadership at its foundation, and growing diplomatic and institutional support, the campaign is increasingly viewed as a model for intra-African cooperation.

As stakeholders look ahead, there is optimism that future editions will build on the progress of 2025, expand participation, and deliver even greater impact for stakeholders in both countries. By all indications, November in Namibia is a campaign that continues to grow in relevance and influence.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Kwanwoma, Grace Agyemang Asamoah, has cut the sod for the construction of 18 development projects in schools and government institutions across the district.

The projects include six-unit and three-unit classroom blocks at Afasiebon and Adjuampong respectively, as well as 16 mechanised boreholes aimed at improving access to quality education and potable water in beneficiary communities.

Communities expected to benefit from the projects are Afasiebon, Ampapatia, Darko, Nkoranza, Asaago, Aboabokese, Trede, Dentekrom, Apemanim, Nweneso III, Foase, Ahenema Kokoben, Akosomo, Behenase and Adumasa.

Some technical and government institutions, including the TVET, Immigration and Education offices, are also beneficiaries.

Speaking at one of the project sites, Madam Asamoah reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of ensuring that development reaches every community.

She indicated that the Atwima Kwanwoma District would also fully benefit from the government’s flagship policies, including the 24-hour economy initiative.

According to the DCE, the projects form part of deliberate efforts to address critical social needs in the district, particularly in the areas of education and water supply, to enhance socio-economic development.

Residents of the beneficiary communities commended the DCE for initiating the projects, noting that the mechanised boreholes would ease their long-standing challenges in accessing potable water, while the classroom blocks would significantly improve teaching and learning in the schools.

The DCE appealed to the communities to cultivate a strong maintenance culture to ensure the longevity of the facilities after completion.

Opinion leaders in the beneficiary communities expressed their appreciation to the DCE for her vision and commitment to development and pledged their full cooperation with contractors to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the projects.

They further cautioned residents, particularly the youth, against stealing materials from the project sites, warning that offenders would be dealt with according to the law.

Parents were also urged to advise their wards to help protect the projects for the benefit of the entire community.

Her Ladyship Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe (JA) has announced a significant reduction in Ghana’s remand prisoner population, attributing the achievement to the sustained implementation of the Justice for All Programme (JFAP).

Speaking at the end of an in-prison Justice for All Court Sitting held at the Kumasi Central Prisons on Friday, December 20, 2025, Justice Asare-Botwe revealed that as of December 18, 2025, remand prisoners constituted 12.47 per cent of the total prison population, a sharp decline from 33 per cent recorded at the inception of the programme in 2007.

She acknowledged the immense contributions of past Chief Justices and the current Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, for sustaining the programme over the years. She also commended judges, staff of the Judicial Service, members of the National Steering Committee of the Justice for All Programme, and other criminal justice stakeholders for their collective efforts in making the initiative successful.

Justice Asare-Botwe explained that the programme was introduced to address prolonged pre-trial detention, which violates Article 14(4) of the 1992 Constitution. The Article mandates that a person arrested or detained must be tried within a reasonable time or released, either unconditionally or on reasonable bail terms.

According to her, the absence of a clear definition of what constitutes ‘reasonable time,’ coupled with institutional challenges, had previously resulted in detainees spending excessive periods in custody without trial-sometimes even longer than the sentence the offence would attract upon conviction.

She recalled that prior to the introduction of the Justice for All Programme, prison overcrowding was severe, with as many as 55 inmates confined in cells designed for only 12.

These conditions, she noted, attracted international condemnation, including a 2014 indictment of Ghana by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Juan Méndez, for falling below the UN Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).

Justice Asare-Botwe disclosed that records from the Ghana Prisons Service showed that as of December 2018, the total prison population stood at 14,910, far exceeding the authorised national capacity of 9,875, representing an overcrowding rate of 51 per cent.

She attributed the recent improvements to effective collaboration among criminal justice institutions, including the Judiciary, law enforcement agencies such as the Police and EOCO, the Office of the Attorney-General, the Legal Aid Authority, and civil society organisations, particularly the POS Foundation, which facilitates the Justice for All Programme.

She noted that the Judiciary has intensified capacity-building programmes to ensure strict adherence by judges to Section 96 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1960 (Act 30), as amended, especially on bail considerations and relevant Supreme Court decisions, including the Martin Kpebu v Attorney-General cases.

Judges, she added, have also been encouraged to conduct trials expeditiously.

Justice Asare-Botwe urged the media and civil society organisations to project the current realities of Ghana’s criminal justice system and refrain from using outdated data that may misrepresent progress made in addressing remand issues.

Presenting cumulative statistics from Justice for All sittings since 2007, she revealed that out of 4,843 inmates reviewed, 862 (17.8%) were discharged, 1,743 (35.99%) were granted bail, 183 (3.78%) were convicted, 39 (0.81%) were referred for psychiatric treatment, while 2,016 (41.63%) applications were dismissed.

For the Kumasi Central Prisons sitting, a total of 41 pre-trial cases were presented. Out of these, 15 inmates were granted bail, four were discharged, one was referred for psychiatric treatment, three cases were dismissed or struck out, nine inmates were convicted and imprisoned, while 12 bail applications were refused.

Justice Asare-Botwe emphasized that the Justice for All Programme continues to bring relief to vulnerable remand inmates who lack legal representation and risk prolonged incarceration without trial.

She appealed to private legal practitioners to offer pro bono services to persons in conflict with the law.

She further disclosed that the Judiciary is committed to proposing pragmatic reforms to improve jury and criminal trials, including supporting the operationalisation of Section 162(A) of Act 1079 on plea bargaining, which she believes will further reduce prison overcrowding.

The Justice of the Court of Appeal also admonished investigators, particularly officers of the Criminal Investigations Department, to be diligent in their work and avoid leaving remand inmates to languish in custody for months or years.

She concluded by thanking the Chief Justice for the opportunity to serve and expressed satisfaction that inmates discharged or granted bail during the sitting would reunite with their families after prolonged detention.

A trailer loaded with soya beans has knocked down and killed an okada rider believed to be in his late 20s at Suame Maakro in the Suame Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The deceased, whose identity is yet to be established, died on the spot following the accident, which occurred on Saturday December 3, 2026.

An eyewitness told *Daily Guide* that the trailer, with registration number GT-1963-13, was moving alongside the motorcycle when a metal hook attached to the vehicle trapped the rider, pulling him under the truck.

Residents who gathered at the scene blamed the frequent accidents in the area on the ongoing road construction works, which they say have made the stretch difficult to use.

According to them, several accidents have been recorded there in recent times, mostly without fatalities, but this incident marked the first death.

‘This young man was only trying to make a living to support his family,’ a resident lamented, appealing to contractors to speed up work on the road to prevent further accidents.

Police officers from the area promptly visited the scene and conveyed the body to a morgue for preservation and identification, while investigations into the incident have commenced.

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has assured delegates of the party’s commitment to conduct a free, fair, and transparent election in the upcoming flagbearer contest.

The NPP will hold its flagbearer primaries on January 31, 2026, to elect a Presidential candidate to wrestle power from the ruling government in the 2028 elections.

NPP General Secretary, in his New Year message to supporters of the party, said though the Presidential contest may appear fiercely competitive, with divisions emerging, the party’s strength lies not in factions but in unity.

He stated, ‘The leadership of the Party reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, both in the upcoming flagbearer race and across all internal elections.

He said the NPP is not defined by a single election but by enduring values, unyielding spirit, and unwavering commitment to the country.

The General Secretary noted that the party has always emerged stronger and more united despite some past electoral defeats including the 2024 election.

‘Our party has weathered storms before, and each time we have risen stronger and more united. That is who we are, and this moment is no different,’ he said.

According to him, following the 2024 electoral defeat, the Party has taken measures to address structural challenges to enhance its future electoral fortunes reflecting its resolve to rebuild to become stronger and better.

Among the measures he mentioned include an unprecedented decision by the leadership to hold the Presidential Primary ahead of all other internal elections, amend its constitution to address structural gaps, establishment of the Patriotic Institute, as well as the reactivation of its membership drive and dues payment platform.

Mr. Frimpong, however, assured members of the party that though 2026 may present its own challenges, it will address them with the support of the party’s leadership.

‘In this calendar year, the Party will undertake several key activities, including the Presidential Primary, the election of party officers at all levels, a reconciliation and unity drive, and the formation of sector committees, among others,’ he noted.

The General Secretary further commended the Minority in Parliament, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin and the legal Directorate, led by Gary Nimako Marfo, for defending the values of the party in the interest of Ghanaians during difficult times.

While thanking members of the party including Polling Station Executives, Electoral Area Coordinators, Constituency Executives, among others for thier support over the years, the General Secretary also urged members not to lose hope but to draw inspiration from the just ended christmas season to renew their strength, remain resilient to rebuild the party for victory.

‘To all Ghanaians, I extend a message of renewal, let us walk together in peace, progress, and unity. The New Patriotic Party remains committed to serving our nation with integrity, vision, and dedication,’ he added.

The Deputy Managing Director of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), Fatimah Amoadu, has launched a foundation aimed at providing skills training for residents of Ekumfi and surrounding communities in the Central Region.

The Fatimah foundation, known as the Obaapa Amoadu Foundation (OFAF), also graduated 55 women from Ekumfi who successfully completed training under its maiden skills development programme.

The beneficiaries received training in hairdressing, fashion design, and baking to help them acquire employable skills, particularly in entrepreneurship.

The graduates were also presented with start-up tools, including sewing machines, hair dryers, and gas ovens, to help them establish their businesses.

Speaking at the launch and graduation ceremony held in Mankesim under the theme ‘The Future Is Handmaking,’ the Founder of the Foundation, Fatimah Amoadu, said the foundation, which was established ten years ago in Accra, was relocated to the Central Region to address the need to empower the youth of Ekumfi with relevant vocational skills.

Madam Fatimah, a native of Ekumfi Immuna and Srafa, also indicated that it was important to empower people in the area with sustainable livelihoods rather than opportunities that only offer short-term benefits.

She said ‘Our focus has always been on teaching young girls how to fish rather than giving them fish. When you equip someone with a skill, you give them dignity, independence and a future’.

She also stated that 100 girls from Ekumfi were enrolled in an artisanal training programme four years ago, out of which 55 have successfully graduated, while the rest are still undergoing training.

The Paramount Queen Mother of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Nana Benyiwa VI, who commended Obaapa Fatimah Amoadu for its investment in human capital development also prayed for God’s blessings upon her life.

The Queen Mother further urged the graduates to utilise the skills they have acquired to make a positive impact on their families and society as a whole.

The Chief of Ekumfi Srafa and Sumankwahen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Nana Nyeiku VII, who lauded the foundation for the intervention, however appealed to the founder to extend the support to boys in the area as well.

The launch and graduation ceremony marked a major milestone in the work of the Obaapa Fatimah Amoadu Foundation, reinforcing the role of vocational skills and community-driven initiatives in tackling youth unemployment.

With plans to expand its training programmes, the Foundation is expected to continue empowering more young people in Ekumfi and other parts of the Central Region through practical skills development and entrepreneurship.

A survey conducted by Global InfoAnalytics has revealed that flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has secured 73 percent support among party delegates, placing him ahead of the four other contestants in the party’s upcoming presidential primaries.

The survey carried out in December 2025 showed that former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong placed second with 19% while Bryan Acheampong secured 5%.

Former Minister for Education, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum also secured 2% while a fromer General Secretary of the party, trailed with 1%.

The latest report failed to include categories for undecided or undisclosed voters unlike past reports which recorded that 20% of delegates were either undecided or unwilling to disclose their preferences.

The findings however showed Dr. Bawumia has increased his lead significantly from 45% compared to Kennedy Agyapong whose support declined from 31% to 19% in the latest survey.

The report also found that 56% of Ghanaian voters prefer former Vice President, Dr. Bawumia to lead the NPP in the 2028 general election.

Also, 28% prefer Kennedy Agyapong while 6% preferred Dr. Bryan Acheampong followed by Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum who secured 4% while Kwabena Agyei Agyapong recorded 2%.

The NPP is expected to hold its flagbearer primaries on January 31, 2026 ahead of the 2028 general election.

With exactly 30 days to the polls, whoever emerges among the five aspirants will become the Presidential candidate for the party.